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Motors hit the Summit

Friday, November 29th, 2019

Sandbach United 1 v 2 Vauxhall Motors

Mick McGraa’s amazing Vauxhall Motors did it again on Tuesday night, as they came from behind to secure their first ever victory over last season’s Division One Cup winners Sandbach United, to record their 13th straight win, eleven of which have been away from home – and overtake FC Oswestry Town at the top of the NWCFL table.

The manager made four changes from the starting side at New Mills at the weekend, with an eye on this Saturday’s eagerly-awaited F. A. Vase tie at home to Newcastle Benfield. This barely had any impact, as Motors dominated most of the proceedings on a heavy pitch.

But it was the hosts who struck first on 13 minutes, when moments after Motors keeper Ryan Crump had kept out an effort from Ryan Allcock, Chris Rowntree stabbed home from eight yards out following a cross from the left.

It took the Motormen just three minutes to get the ball in the opponents net, but captain Tom Mitchell had his shot ruled off for an infringement in the build up. However on 20 minutes they were level. Danny Cross played a superb ball out to the right which Michael Burkey took into the box before firing home a great strike for his 8th goal in this winning sequence.

The visitors continued to press the home side. Cross saw a great drive fly just over the bar from 22 yards and Burkey saw an effort well saved by Sam Booth in the United goal. But their persistence paid off in first half injury time, when a neat build up ended with Matty Carlin finding the net with a right foot shot into the bottom far corner from the left-hand side of the area, to give Motors a deserved interval advantage.

It was much the same story after the break, as the visitors continued to ask questions of the home team but with fewer chances. Joe Brandon was unlucky with one situation having rounded the keeper and Ryan Cox also went close, but there was little threat from the hosts who had to rely on breakaways and then had Oliver Jepson sent off for a reckless challenge on Burkey.

Those three points hoisted Motors to the summit of the table, two points clear of Oswestry but with three games in hand!